Painting, decorating, housewarming party, praying for a renter for our condo, enjoying some snow, and more has filled our lives this month. It has been a true joy to make our new home more our own with some lovely new paint, furniture, and pictures on the walls. I stepped out in faith and painted our family room gray with red accents and we love it! I painted our fireplace and took down all the random assortment of blinds and curtains that were left from the previous owner. It feels so much more open and clean now. I’ll have to give you a tour soon. 
We have been blessed with a wonderful assortment of furniture that makes it easy to comfortably sit a good number of people. We hosted a successful open house inviting all our neighbors, co-workers, and other church friends and had a blast. Over 100 people stepped through our doors within a 4 hour period. We feel so much more settled into this Portland life and excited to invest more in our community. This city needs Jesus and we want to be a light where God has placed us.
We reached 18 weeks into my pregnancy with #3 this week! So far it has been smooth and peaceful. Pregnancy treats me well. I was tempted to find out the gender of this little one, but my husband swayed me otherwise once again (all three will be a surprise for us now!). There is nothing like that expectation in birth to see what kind of blessing the Lord has specially packaged for us.
My little man, Titus, turns two this week, and what a joy that is to behold. It is a precious season of life, and yet one that is really draining with it being chalked full of necessary training, disciplining, and discipling. Praying for grace to let go of my idols of desires for control and peace in our home, when making the nurturing of their hearts my priority and mission at present. God is granting grace to let go of my schedule and to-do’s and see their hearts as the priority. Now is the time when they are tender and need to be shaped so they see their desperate need for the Savior. Thankful for resources like the gospel, the book of Proverbs, Gospel Centered Families, Gospel Powered Parenting, and Shepherding a Child’s Heart during this season.
Philippines!
I cannot believe my teenage dream of going to the Philippines is coming true, but it appears that God has opened up the doors. I was honored to be invited to participate on a trip with Compassion Bloggers to see the ministry and work of Compassion International first hand and share of my experiences here. I am so thrilled to go this coming May and learn what God is doing in this beautiful country. And guess what, my hubby gets to go too! Due to my pregnancy, my husband gets to accompany me to offer support and help for my prego body.
February Reading
The Mom Walk by Sally Clarkson is a beautiful challenging and inspiring read for any mother. Are you needing fresh inspiration and encouragement in the journey? How do you stay close to Jesus in the walk? You will find a wealth of life experience, stories, and wisdom from my all time favorite writer on the topic of godly motherhood here in the Mom Walk.
March Theme at Passionate Homemaking: Identity
We had a lively February theme on marriage that was full of great discussion. For March, we are excited to launch a series on Identity - covering topics such as dealing with comparison, criticism, your identity in Christ, becoming God’s true woman, strengthening your soul, naturally battling depression and fear, etc. Have a particular question on this topic you would like to see discussed? Let us know!
Bless you all!
Thank you, Lindsay, for mentioning the idols of control and peace at home. That hit me right where I am at, as well, going through occasional conflicts with my 2 year old daughter. It was a good reminder that conflict in and of itself is not wrong, even with our children. May we handle each situation with wisdom and grace
We chose to keep the gender a surprise with both of our babies and we did something really fun…..the nurse kept the baby wrapped and let my huisband reveal the gender to me. he turned to me and said “its sidney” and the second time, “its sophia”. was a lot of fun:)
Your family is beautiful and your all look so happy!
The family room sounds nice and I love the color choices…It feels good to make a house your own…We bought our home 4 years ago and Im still putting things up and working on that…
My father-in-law is Filipino and from olongapo city so I have heard a lot about the Philippines and seen how beautiful it is in pictures. He has been in the USA for about 7 years now. My husband is also half Thai and his mom is from Bang cock and I dream of going over there someday.
Congrats on the new baby! We are expecting our 4th here in about 2-3 weeks and we will be having our second home birth.
Out of curiosity, will you be opting out of the body scanners for health and modesty reasons at the airport when you go on your trip? I am wondering what other ladies do at the airport.
I opted out of the scanner recently for health reasons. I would have to say though, that the scanner would probably be more modest than the “pat down.” They had a woman do it. She was very nice though. But it is pretty invasive….they go allllll the way up the inside of your legs, basically to the fold where your leg ends and meets your crotch/torso, on the inside. They also touch all the way around your breasts with the back of the hand.
Luckily, I didn’t mind it, because I was prepared for it, and went into it with the mindset that I was saving my body from radiation. But it is anything but modest. They asked if I wanted the pat down in a private room, but I said no, because I am not embarrassed easily. I could see that someone who was sensitive though or very modest might rather go through the scanner.
However, my primary focus is health. It is similar to an X-ray. I just prefer to limit any and all types of radiation, because I have health problems otherwise, and don’t want any more stress on my body. Besides, as a woman, you never know if you are pregnant or not. They say it is safe even if you are pregnant, but who knows. I would prefer to avoid it.
As far as radiation concerns: I am most concerned for my husband, because of his “man parts,” since that area on a man is close to the surface (the rays from the scanner supposedly do not penetrate very deeply). For myself, I would be worried about the skin, the eyes, and possibly the breasts. And then just in case it does penetrate deep enough, in case I was pregnant.
However, supposedly you come in contact with a lot of radiation just by flying, being that high up. But I am not sure if it is the same type of radiation as the scanners, which I believe are X rays.
Also, the TSA does make you feel like you are an inconvienence, for wanting the pat down. So just be prepared that you will need to put on your bravery hat if you choose to opt out of the scanner. They actually tried to talk me out of the pat down, as they fetched a woman to do it, but I held my ground. But be prepared for the TSA to make you feel stupid, like you are clueless. So that is another downside of doing it, but I didn’t let it deter me from my preference.
I could see if someone was sensitive emotionally, it might hurt their feelings to have people roll their eyes at you and try to make you feel stupid like that. It kind of rattled me. So just a warning, be prepared for people to hassle you about it….that way if no one does hassle you, it will be a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t like they wouldn’t do the pat down, they just tried to talk me out of it by throwing facts at me.
Well I’m not overly concerned about radiation. I have bigger things to be concerned about. My husband flies often for his job. And this past Fall/Winter I was going back and forth to Florida every few weeks to see my terminally ill mother. I went thru the scanner once.. the other times I just went thru the regular metal detector (I wasn’t pulled aside). It seemed like the other times if you were more on thicker side they pulled you aside for the scanner.
I have no problems going thru the scanner, I’m also not overly concerned about modesty, the TSA people see people all day long. I’m just one more person!
Seeing as I’m “fixed”. I wouldn’t have to worry about being pregnant.
I would certainly opt-out of the scanner, especially while pregnant. That would be my greatest concern. I wouldn’t mind the pat-down as it certainly would be another woman doing it to me. That seems much safer even if not so comfortable.
I’m getting married in 93 days, I think I’ve mentioned this before :S so I really enjoyed last months marriage theme. As I was reading about the book you mentioned “Mom Walk” I was thinking “I wish I knew where to find information about growing in Christ personally and nurturing my relationship with Him. Lo and behold, your theme for March sounds like what I’ve been looking for. Isn’t it amazing how God answers not only our prayers but even the thoughts we have even before we think them. Thanks so much for all you do I’ve really been enjoying your blog.
Congrats! Can I ask- where are the two kids going while you are gone? My husband and I have a big heart for missions and have been on several trips. Now that we have a little one, I’ve wondered what that looks like. Do you take them along? Leave them with family? Ours is only 8months so we wouldn’t be leaving her any time soon, but just wondering. Thanks for the post!
They will stay with my in-laws. This will be the longest separation period, but it does provide them with good bonding time with family.
Oh wow! I must have missed that you were pregnant in previous posts. Congratulations!
Hi Lindsay. I am looking forward to reading March’s posts regarding “identity”. I’ve been reading about that very thing in an EXCELLENT book – “Because He Loves Me” by Elyse Fitzpatrick. It specifically deals with our identity in Christ and does it in such a clear and fresh way. I’ve been a Christian since my childhood, but this particular book opened my eyes to see and understand more fully my identity in Christ and my standing before the Father. I highly recommend this read.
Yes! I have been reading that myself with my sister and will definitely be highlighting it this month!
Hi Lindsay,
I’m also currently reading “Because He Loves Me”. Great stuff! In December I read “Counsel From the Cross”, and it was a huge encouragement for me. I’ve grown up as a Christian, but I finally feel like I’m just starting to understand God’s grace and love for me. Happy reading!
Jayna
PS. I also live in the Northwest just south of Portland a bit
Thank you for your posts, they are always a blessing! It’s nice to see that I’m not the only one who struggles with priorities, you are right that the little ones are at that age where they can grow such a heart for Jesus. I’m looking forward to March! All the topics you mentioned sound helpful.
The grace of God to let go of our schedules and to put the childrens’ hearts as our priority is a beautiful thing!
You will love the Philippines! I was born and grew up there until I was 12. What part are you going? I’m excited to hear your adventures there.
We will mainly be in Manilla and surrounding areas as I understand, but we don’t have the final travel plans yet.
We sponsor a Filipino child through Compassion. On which island are you going to be? I can’t wait to hear all about your travels!
A really great idea for March–I’d love to hear thoughts about not finding identity in my productivity. I’m guilty of that so often
Love the February picture. Can’t wait to see the home tour. It sounds like your new home and neighborhood are really agreeing with you and the family. Congrats on making it to 18 weeks. What an exciting time. And the trip is just over the top!
What you wrote about making nurturing your children’s hearts a priority instead of a peaceful home really struck me. I’ve been making this mistake a lot these past two weeks. I really need to ask God to change this in me!
I loved The Mom Walk. I thought that the idea of a life of devotion changes into a moment by moment walk with God when family comes is so true. I felt free. My ministry can be in every moment.
Hi- I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. A friend of mine introduced it to me a couple of weeks ago, and I keep coming back and reading more. You are such an encouragement and a great example in your desire to serve and glorify God in everything that you do.
I also really enjoy that you are a labor doula. My husband and I have recently decided that I will pursue labor doula training in the near future, as I very much love the way God designed the process of pregnancy and birth, and also because I believe it could be such a great ministry to families.
Anyway, keep up the good work. I’ll be sure to keep checking back!
Hey there! I just wanted to say that I am always inspired by what you write. I have been checking your blog everyday and it just encourages me so much. I get so encouraged that once I actually referred to you accidentally to my husband as “my friend”. hehe…
Looking forward to this next months posts! And I agree with others, its coming at a perfect time. God bless.
I don’t think I knew you were pregnant, congratulations! It’s kind of funny to me that your son and my daughter are only a couple weeks apart, and now I am 21 weeks while you are 18! We’re on the same baby schedule, hehe. Actually we’d have one right around Karis’ age too, but God decided he needed her more at the time. I pray your pregnancy continues to go smoothly!
Hello-
I loved what you wrote…
“Praying for grace to let go of my idols of desires for control and peace in our home, when making the nurturing of their hearts my priority and mission at present. God is granting grace to let go of my schedule and to-do’s and see their hearts as the priority.”
What a struggle this is for me, letting go of seeing our home as only “my” space- to decorate and do as I want, and instead see it as “our” home and that it doesn’t need to be perfectly picked up all the time, its ok for the toys to be out, its ok for the kids to make a mess….
yes, this is a huge struggle for me, finding balance between keeping a home, and wanting a home to look like no one actually lives there! lol
God Bless!
Lacey
I’m loving these monthly themes that you have been writing about. Each one comes at the perfect time. Thank you for challenging me in my role as a child of God, wife and mother. It isn’t easy but you always say what I need to hear (maybe not always what I WANT to hear, but definitely what I need to hear).
How exciting that God is finally opening door for you to go to the PI! Do you sponsor a child there? I would love to Kenya to visit the girl I sponsor. Have a blessed time! Thank you for the encouragement to are to me and so many others!
Lindsay I am excited with you about all the new things happening in your life. Reading your post today made me teary. You inspire me so many ways, and make me want to be better. I have never looked up to anyone my age—until I “met” you. I love your simplicity, open hear, and your love for God. May our good Lord continue to bless your beautiful family.
what a lovely update, Praise God for all his blessings!
Oh congrats on your trip dreams being realized. Glad to see the pregnancy is going well. I have never been patient enough to be “surprised”. As a former WA resident I know, that WHOLE area needs Jesus. After living in such a secular state, I feel like a wilting plant being finally watered here in the south. Its amazing. The world seems brighter.
The March topic sounds really interesting. As a new reader I’m looking forward to reading more here.
Lindsay, I just love your blog. I have been reading for a while now. When I first started I lived in Birmingham, Alabama and now we have moved to the Seattle, Wa area. So all of you suggestions and resources here now apply to me. I am encouraged by your life and ministry and just wanted you to know this morning. I really like the monthly themes this year.
How wonderful for you!! I’m a labor doula also, so it does my heart well to see such a sweet preggo belly! So excited for you to be able to go to the PI. My husband was born and raised there until he was 8, so it definitely holds a special place in our hearts. The people are wonderful!